Beauty ingredient research

Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Browse the review database to understand what an ingredient is, what it does in a beauty formula, when it is useful, and when it deserves caution across skincare, haircare, bodycare, makeup, and more.

20769

Reviewed ingredients

524

Low-concern standouts

2884

Need usage caution

Showing 60 of 20,303
AllUV absorberUV filterabrasiveabsorbentacne treatmentactiveactive ingredientadhesivealkalizing agentamino acidanti-aginganti-androgenanti-cavityanti-cavity agentanti-inflammatoryanti-irritantanticariesanticavity agentantidandruffantifungalantimicrobialantioxidantantiperspirantantiplaqueastringentbarrier repairbarrier supportbarrier-repairbarrier-supportbinderbinding agentbiotechbiotechnologybond-builderbotanicalbotanical extractbotanical oilbotanical waterbrighteningbrightening agentbufferbuffering agentcell-communicating ingredientceramidechelating agentchemicalchemical intermediateclaycleansercleansingcleansing agentcolorantconditionerconditioningconditioning agentcooling agentcosmeticcosmetic additivecosmetic colorantcosmetic ingredientcosmetic pigmentcosmetic powdercosmetic-texturizercosmetic-waxcosmeticscrosslinking agentdelivery agentdelivery systemdenaturantdeodorantdeodorant agentdepigmenting agentdepilatorydepilatory agentdesensitizing agentdyedye intermediatedye precursordye-intermediateemollientemulsifierenzymeessential oilexfoliantexperimentaleyelashfermentfilm formerfilm-formerfilm-formingfilm-forming agentfirming agentfixativeflavoring agentformulationfragrancefragrance ingredientfunctional ingredientgashair carehair colorhair coloranthair conditionerhair dyehair removalhair-carehair-colorhaircarehumectantindustrialinsecticideintermediatelashlash carelash enhancerlash-and-browlip carelipidmakeupmarine extractmasking agentmicrobiomemicrobiome modulatormineralmoisturizernail carenail-careocclusiveoilopacifieropacifying agentoptical agentoral careotheroxidative dyeoxidative dye precursoroxidizing agentpH adjusterpain reliefpenetration enhancerpeptidepersonal careph adjusterpharmaceuticalpheromonepigmentplant oilplasticizerpolymerpolymer precursorprebioticprescription-drugpreservativepreservative boosterprobioticprocessing agentprocessing aidpropellantproteinpurifyingreducing agentretinoidscalp caresebum regulatorsebum-regulatorself-tannerself-tanningsensory additivesensory agentsensory modifiersiliconeskin barrierskin barrier supportskin conditionerskin conditioningskin conditioning agentskin lighteningskin protectantskin-conditioningskin-conditioning agentskin-identicalskin-identical ingredientskin-lighteningskin-lightening agentskincaresolventsoothingsoothing agentstabilizerstimulantsunscreensurfactantsyntheticsynthetic colorantsynthetic dyesynthetic resinsynthetic-coloranttexture enhancertexturizerthickenertoneruv-absorberuv-filtervasoactivevasodilatorviscosity controlviscosity controllingviscosity controlling agentvitaminwax

Skin conditioning agent

Bacillus Ferment

Bacillus Ferment

4.0

A gentle probiotic ingredient that may help balance skin bacteria and strengthen the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareprobiotic
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Humectant

Bacillus Ferment Filtrate

BACILLUS/GLUTAMIC ACID FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived humectant that helps hydrate and condition the skin, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Soothing Agent

Bacillus Fermented Indigo Extract

BACILLUS/POLYGONUM TINCTORIUM LEAF FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Bacillus Licheniformis Keratinase

Bacillus Licheniformis Keratinase

4.0

A gentle enzymatic exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing, but may irritate sensitive skin if overused.

Irritation

moderate

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Soothing Agent

Bacillus Rice Bran Honey Ferment

Bacillus/Rice Bran/Honey Ferment

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Bacillus Rice Ferment Filtrate

BACILLUS/RICE FERMENT LEES FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps soften and smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, ideal for those new to exfoliation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Bacillus Rice Lees Ferment

Bacillus/Rice Lees Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented rice ingredient that may support skin barrier and provide antioxidant benefits, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Bacillus Silk Soybean Ferment

Bacillus/Silk/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help soothe and condition skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareskin conditioning
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Bacillus Soybean Ferment Extract

BACILLUS/FOLIC ACID/SOYBEAN FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and condition skin, but its benefits come from the fermentation process rather than the folic acid itself.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Bacillus Wild Rice Ferment Filtrate

Bacillus/Zizania Latifolia Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help strengthen the skin barrier and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bacopa Monniera Oil

BACOPA MONNIERA OIL

3.8

Bacopa Monniera Oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that may help calm stressed skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Fragrance

Bael Leaf Oil

AEGLE MARMELOS LEAF OIL

3.5

Bael Leaf Oil is a fragrant essential oil with traditional uses, but its benefits in modern skincare are not well-studied and it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing agent

Bael Root Powder

Aegle Marmelos Root Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with traditional roots, but limited modern research to back its skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Baical Skullcap Root Powder

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Powder

4.3

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root powder that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Baicalein

Baicalein

4.2

Baicalein is a plant-based antioxidant that helps calm redness and protect skin from daily environmental damage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Baicalin

BAICALIN

4.0

Baicalin is a gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, making it a solid addition to soothing or anti-aging formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Anti-aging

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol

4.5

A gentler, plant-based alternative to retinol that helps smooth fine lines and even skin tone without the typical irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Bakuhan

Bakuhan

3.8

Bakuhan is a gentle, rice-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Soothing Agent

Bakumondou Extract

OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

Bakumondou extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm irritation and support skin hydration, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Emollient

Balanites Seed Oil

BALANITES ROXBURGHII SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing Agent

Baliospermum Montanum Root Powder

BALIOSPERMUM MONTANUM ROOT POWDER

3.5

A traditional Ayurvedic root powder with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited modern research and a moderate irritation risk for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Balloon Vine Extract

CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM FLOWER/LEAF/VINE EXTRACT

3.8

Balloon vine extract is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Balloon Vine Seed Extract

CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Balsam Fir Extract

Abies Balsamea Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Balsam Fir Needle Extract

Abies Balsamea Needle Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Balsam Fir Needle Oil

Abies Balsamea Needle Oil

3.8

A fragrant essential oil that adds a fresh, woodsy scent to products but may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Balsam Fir Resin

Abies Balsamea Resin

3.8

A natural tree resin with potential soothing benefits, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Balsam of Peru Extract

Myroxylon Balsamum Pereirae Balsam Extract

3.5

A natural fragrance ingredient with a warm, sweet scent, but it's a common allergen and may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Balsam of Peru Oil

Myroxylon Balsamum Pereirae Balsam Oil

3.0

Balsam of Peru is a natural fragrance ingredient with a warm, sweet scent, but it's also a common allergen that can cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Balsam Peru Oil

Myroxylon Pereirae Oil

3.5

Balsam Peru Oil adds a warm, sweet scent to products but is a known allergen for some people, so patch testing is wise.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bamboo & Honey Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/PHYLLOSTACHYS PUBESCENS STEM/HONEY FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help soothe and hydrate skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bamboo Bark Extract

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bamboo Callus Culture Extract

BAMBUSA VULGARIS CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown bamboo extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a smoother appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Callus Extract

BAMBUSA VULGARIS CALLUS CULTURE CONDITIONED MEDIA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown bamboo extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a youthful appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Ferment Filtrate

Phyllostachys Heterocycla Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented bamboo extract that may help calm and protect the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Flower Extract

Bambusa Vulgaris Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Frass Extract

Phyllostachys Heterocycla Frass Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from bamboo processing byproducts that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Bamboo Juice

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Juice

4.0

A gentle, hydrating plant juice that provides light moisture and antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Leaf & Shoot Extract

Phyllostachys Edulis Leaf/Shoot Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Leaf and Stem Extract

Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Leaf Extract

Phyllostachys Reticulata Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Meristem Cell Lysate

Phyllostachys Pubescens Meristem Cell Lysate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bamboo Rhizome Extract

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Rhizome Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Bamboo Sap

Phyllostachys Pubescens Sap

4.0

A gentle, watery sap that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, with early research suggesting antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Bamboo Sap Extract

Bambusa Vulgaris Sap Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Shoot Bark Extract

Phyllostachys Pubescens Shoot Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bamboo Shoot Extract

BAMBUSA VULGARIS SHOOT EXTRACT

4.0

Bamboo Shoot Extract is a gentle, silica-rich ingredient that helps soothe and hydrate skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or irritated complexions.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Shoot Sheath Extract

Phyllostachys Pubescens/Edulis Shoot Sheath Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Bamboo Shoot Water

Phyllostachys Edulis Shoot Water

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived water that provides light hydration and a soothing feel, ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Stem Extract

Phyllostachys Heterocycla Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps soothe skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Bamboo Stem Powder

PHYLLOSTACHYS NIGRA STEM POWDER

3.8

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant from bamboo stems that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Humectant

Bamboo Water

BAMBUSA VULGARIS WATER

4.0

A gentle, water-like ingredient that adds light hydration and a touch of antioxidants, ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Banana Flower Extract

Musa Sapientum Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Banana Flower Water

Musa Sapientum Flower Water

3.8

A mild, aromatic floral water that offers gentle hydration and soothing benefits, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Banana Fruit Extract

Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract

4.0

Banana Fruit Extract is a gentle, natural humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a nice addition to moisturizing formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Banana Fruit Juice

Musa Paradisiaca Fruit Juice

3.8

Banana fruit juice is a gentle, natural hydrator that can soothe and soften skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal and less studied than other fruit extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Banana Pulp Extract

Musa Sapientum Pulp Extract

4.0

Banana pulp extract is a gentle, natural humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal with limited clinical backing.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Banana Water

Musa Sapientum Water

3.8

Banana water is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that adds a touch of soothing moisture to skincare products, but it's not a powerhouse active.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review